#ImAGameChanger - Carson Libby

April 11, 2018 Rachel McQuiston

by: usa games correspondent, tynan gable

Game Changers truly do come in all shapes and sizes. This week’s nominee for the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games #ImAGameChanger campaign is just 12 years old, but he is wise well beyond his years. Dr. Seuss had it right: “A Game Changer is a Game Changer, no matter how small.”

Carson Libby is from the town of Albertville, Minnesota, where he attends school at St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West. He lives with his parents, Aimee and Chad, and his older sister, Peyton.

Peyton endured an injury at birth that caused disabilities which inhibit her fine and gross motor skills as well as her verbal and written communication abilities. It’s clear that Carson takes on a big brother role at times, making sure Peyton knows that home is a safe place where she should always feel welcome and included.

#ImAGameChanger - Orono Unified Mentors

April 4, 2018 Rachel McQuiston

By: usa games correspondent, tynan gable

The opportunity to “change the game” is quite a powerful thing. While it comes naturally for some to do so, anyone can make a life-changing impact in their community and, more specifically, in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

The students of the Orono School District in Minnesota are encouraged to practice acts of kindness that promote equality and inclusion. These lessons cultivate a community full of people with game-changing attitudes.

Extra worthy of noting is the district’s recent creation of their Unified Mentors program. High school students elect to utilize their free or study hall periods to visit their “mentees” at the elementary and middle schools; fortunately for them, the Orono School District is all conveniently located on one street.

#ImAGameChanger - Antrone Williams

March 28, 2018 Rachel McQuiston

By: USA Games Correspondent, Tynan Gable

The #ImAGameChanger campaign of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games recognizes people from all walks of life who make an impact in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. Despite these heroes’ diversity, each of the nominees demonstrates astounding strength, courage, and will power. These traits are put to good use by Game Changers, who exude an unwavering kindness and promote inclusion and friendship in their communities.

This week’s nominee is no different; Antrone (“Coach Juice”) Williams is a stroke survivor with an inspiring story and the desire to change peoples’ lives for the better. Almost ten years ago, Antrone suffered a stroke that nearly ended his life. After waking from ten days in a coma, he spent the next two months in the hospital.

He was enrolled in an experimental drug therapy treatment that was predicted to give him a 50% chance of survival and promised nothing regarding his future quality of life. In addition, he had to relearn how to walk, talk, and do many activities that most of us take for granted.

2018 Special Olympics USA Games Announces Artistic Collaborations and Performers for Opening Ceremony at Husky Stadium

March 27, 2018 Rachel McQuiston

SEATTLE – March 27, 2018 – The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games announced today the artistic elements for the USA Games including collaborations with artists Miguel Edwards, Catherine Mayer and Chihuly Studio. The 2018 USA Games also unveiled the first in a series of announcements regarding performances and entertainment at the Opening Ceremony on Sunday, July 1 at Husky Stadium.